Press Release

February 10, 2022

Museum of Discovery and Science and AECOM Partner to Provide Free Immersive STEMobile Programming to Underserved Local Schools

News

The initiative brings environmental programming directly to students, with a focus on sustainability, coastal resiliency, and Florida ecosystems

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (February 9, 2022) — The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS), Broward County’s dynamic hub for dialogue and innovation regarding resiliency and community solutions to the impact of climate change, and AECOM, the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, today announced they have formed a partnership to provide environmentally-focused science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming to local PreK-12 students. Called Everglades Engineer, the initiative will be presented by AECOM utilizing MODS STEMobile museum on wheels at no cost to recipient schools or organizations.

“AECOM is an outstanding partner committed to collaborating to help provide our STEMobile programming free of charge to the communities within Broward County that are most in need,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS. “This partnership activates MODS’ environmental sustainability pillar. Through fun and relevant project-based STEM learning and career-focused outcomes, we will work with youth to help solve the problems that climate change is putting on the table. Everyone can make a difference now for our environment.”

Everglades Engineer brings environmental engineering and design processes to life through immersive educational challenges with a focus on sustainability, green design, clean energy, and Florida ecosystems. MODS STEMobile programming travels to local schools in underserved zip codes and allows students to roll up their sleeves and solve real world challenges, equipping them with science skills to be empowered learners, critical thinkers, innovative designers, excellent communicators, and problem solvers.

“MODS creates strong, engaging programming to help solve critical issues of today and through this partnership we can deliver a robust learning experience that is not only immersive and entertaining, but helps students understand the very real climate-driven impacts their communities face,” said Lauren Swan, vice president of resilience and sustainable development with AECOM’s U.S. East & LATAM region. “Climate change is happening now. By partnering with MODS, we have the opportunity to educate the next generation, so they become future leaders capable of designing and implementing vital creative solutions that mitigate these impacts.”

In addition to Everglades Engineer, the AECOM partnership helps fund MODS’ EcoExplorers paid internship, a program offered to high school learners interested in environmental education through field experiences in the Everglades and at the museum. The partnership also provides volunteer opportunities for AECOM employees to support STEMobile learning.

ABOUT AECOM
AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical expertise and innovation, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $13.3 billion in fiscal year 2021. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.

ABOUT MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE
Founded in 1976 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science. The Museum encompasses more than 150,000 square feet of interactive exhibits. This includes all of our permanent and traveling exhibits, as well as our outdoor Science Park. Families can enjoy super science shows and demonstrations, wild Creature Feature animal encounters, private experiences, mind-blowing Makerspace labs, cool camps, unforgettable birthday parties, engaging field trips and STEM curricula, professional development workshops for educators, distinguished speakers, and more. In addition to daily hours, MODS is currently offering virtual and offsite programming. MODS’ STEMobile delivers STEM education on location across South Florida! A STEMobile experience ranges from one hour to full-day with programming for pre-kindergarten through adult and is available for schools, community centers, corporate team building and special events! All programs can be customized for time, group size and age group. Book a STEMobile visit today. Free programs and scholarships are available! The Museum celebrates diversity and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit mods.org or call 954.467.MODS (6637).

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Kip Hunter Marketing | 305.803.9177
Nicole Lewis // nicole@kiphuntermarketing.com

Museum of Discovery & Science | 954.713.0901
Andi Fuentes // andrea.fuentes@mods.org

AECOM | 212.708.6746
Rachel Weiss // rachel.weiss@aecom.com